Fox News Network CEO Roger Ailes resigns amid sexual harassment claims

Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes has resigned from the company effective immediately, 21st Century Fox announced in a statement.

His resignation comes after former anchor Gretchen Carlson, a mainstay of the network for 11 years, left Fox News on June 23 and shortly afterward filed a lawsuit against her former boss. In it, she alleges that Ailes had "sabotaged" her career after she "refused his sexual advances," and that her job was terminated in retaliation for rebuffing him and complaining to him about sexual harassment.

Fox News and Ailes have denied Carlson's allegations in the past.

"Gretchen Carlson's allegations are false. This is a retaliatory suit for the network's decision not to renew her contract, which was due to the fact that her disappointingly low ratings were dragging down the afternoon lineup. When Fox News did not commence any negotiations to renew her contract, Ms. Carlson became aware that her career with the network was likely over and conveniently began to pursue a lawsuit."

According to the 21st Century Fox statement, Rupert Murdoch will take over as chairman and acting CEO of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network.